Rescued puppy with severed limb gets special care

Thursday

Apr 13, 2017 at 11:23 AM

"This precious little puppy was found dumped in the bushes off State Road 200 behind a restaurant," said HSMC volunteer Brenda Hall.

Susan Smiley-Height @SSmileyheight

The Humane Society of Marion County is caring for a puppy that was brought to them with a severed limb earlier this month. A man had found the little black-and-white female dog in some bushes behind an eatery in the 1800 block of State Road 200 in Ocala.

The 12-week-old mixed breed, named Ms D, had surgery to amputate the infected limb. She will become available for adoption in coming weeks.

We did this question-and-answer session with veterinary technician Lyn Beurrier and volunteer Brenda Hall to learn more about the cute canine.

Question: What happened?

Answer: Ms D was brought into the HSMC on Wednesday, April 5, and her surgery was done on Saturday, April 8, according to Hall.

"This precious little puppy was found dumped in the bushes off State Road 200 behind a restaurant. She was brought in by a Good Samaritan who was desperately searching for urgent medical care, cradled in his arms, her injured leg wrapped due to a severe injury.

"As Dr. Albano and the medical staff cut away the bandage, the strong odor of necrosis was apparent. The staff discovered that her right front leg was severed, stripped down to the bone, with severe infection. She was covered in fleas and was suffering from malnutrition.

"Ms D was stabilized and prepared for surgery, without which she would not survive."

Q: What is Ms D's current status?

A: She still needs to be spayed but we are waiting until she recuperates. She is in foster care because she has staples and needs special care, Beurrier said.

Q: Why the name Ms D?

A: She was named Ms D because it was the anniversary of the death of our longtime volunteer, France Descamps, who loved helping all dogs in need, Beurrier said.

Q: Will the pup be up for adoption?

A: She will not be adopted for two to three more weeks, Beurrier said.

Q: How can people help?

A: According to Hall, to help pay for Ms D's lab work, debridement, medications, dressings, X-rays, blood work, surgery and post-op care, she set up a GoFundMe account (www.gofundme.com/3mr2b40) through which nearly half of the $2,000 cost has been met.

People also can donate by calling 873-7387, sending mail to or visiting the society complex at 701 NW 14th Road, Ocala, FL 34482, or through www.humanesocietyofmarioncounty.com. The funds will go to Ms D's medical care. If the goal is exceeded, the remaining funds will help other animals in need of medical care, Hall said.

Donations of puppy food also would be most welcome, added staffer Mary Wyre.